The Kew Riverside Story

At Kew Riverside all our classes are named after animals, inspired by Giles Andredes’ book “Giraffes Can’t Dance”. The book follows a young giraffe named Gerald, who, unlike the other animals, finds it hard to dance on his unsteady young legs. As the story progresses we see how Gerald, through experience and self- discovery, can in fact dance beautifully, he just needed the right music!

In 2003 Kew Riverside officially opened its doors to the community, with a clear vision to help each and every child find their own music and reach their potential. The founders of the school created an informal environment, with no doors on the classrooms and where everyone is on a first name basis, with the aim of providing a dynamic, creative curriculum that encourages and welcomes the voice, engagement and independence of every child.

In the early years, children are encouraged to settle in, find their feet, develop friendships and learn through play. Throughout the school, topics are used to support and inspire children in an engaging and creative way.

We believe children will learn through experience, by walking the towpath along the river Thames, visiting local museums and libraries, discovering the natural world at Kew Gardens, as well as meeting Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace. And as they get older and more independent they will be braving the zip wire, giant swing and testing their resolve on our residential trips.

We also bring the world into the school with a host of interesting visitors and workshops. We work closely with the wider community and parents to create learning opportunities to develop the whole child.

Much as in the book, our Giraffes may start reception unsteady on their feet, but through their years at Kew Riverside they too will learn to dance. By the time they leave for the even bigger jungle that is secondary school, our Year 6 Lions will be emotionally intelligent and socially responsible individuals who set and achieve the highest academic standards for themselves.